Craving Forgiveness

26

"Erik what's going on? Where are you?" you shakily walked toward him.

"Atarah. I don't understand. It was one of Zara's men, he didn't die and he wants revenge. I don't know where I am. I need you. I need your help."

He was badly beaten and bleeding. It was a mystery how he was able to even see trough his swollen eyes.

You nodded with tears spilling from your eyes.

"Atarah. Princess. Atarah whats wrong? Are you alright?" Alex asked lightly shaking you.

You looked up at him wide eyed.

"Why are you crying princess? What's wrong?"

You couldn't bring yourself to speak. So you used your mind.

Charles.

Yes, what is it Atarah? Are you okay?

I saw something. I saw Erik. He's in trouble, he doesnt know where he is. He's going to die. They're going to kill him.

I'll find him Atarah.

I'm coming with you. I have to. Please don't argue with me.

Fine. But you need to tell Alex.

You looked back at Alex, he looked concerned and confused.

"Alex," you started and he noticed the tone in your voice.

"It's Erik isn't it. You saw him."

"He's going to die Alex. I can't just sit around and let it happen."

"Why can't you just be happy with me? He asked pulling you to the side away from the center of attention.

"Alex, I am happy with you I love you."

"But not like you love him."

"I'm sorry. I can't control my emotions."

"Neither can I."he bit back. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Go find him."

You nodded and turned to leave. He grabbed your arm and pulled you back to him. He kissed you passionately with sadness and love and you pulled away breathlessly.

"Sorry. I just wanted to do that one more time."
You smiled and kissed his cheek before leaving.

You ran out of the church and looked around for Charles and found him, Hank, Raven and Jean getting into his car.

You squeezed in and Hank speeded back to the mansion.

"It'll be harder using Cerebro this time since the serum has altered your DNA and suppressed your powers." Hank informed before passing off the helmet to Charles.
"He's my friend Hank, I have to do this."

Hank nodded and turned on the machine.

Charles groaned and twitched in pain. Sparks flashed off the machine in a frenzy.

Charles took the helmet off.
"I'm sorry Atarah. I couldn't find him."

"Maybe I can try." Jean cut in.

"No." You and Charles said simultaneously.
"Jean your so young and you're still trying to figure out your abilities and your strength. You could seriously get hurt. It's hard for Charles. I can't let you try it."you said truthfully.

"She's right Jean." Raven added.

You placed a hand on her shoulder to lighten her sad look," thank you for offering." You sighed "we'll just have to find another way. Maybe I can use my powers to reach out to him."

"You can only do so much in your visions Atarah. Erik is tied up. There's no way you can get out of that." Charles added.

You shook your head,"this time was different. I was myself and I could move and walk but I couldn't touch anything. If I can do it again maybe I can find out where he is."

"Okay, we can give it a try. Just be careful don't strain yourself. This will put a lot of stress on your mind."

You all walked to the living room where you laid on the couch and closed your eyes and used your mind to find Erik.

You were back in the dark room. Erik was passed out probably due to all the pain he was in.

You walked around the room looking for any idea of a location.

You stepped through the door and you heard a man coming. Before you could hide he walked right past you.

It's like you weren't even there. He couldn't see you.

Thank God.

You continued to walk around the warehouse looking for any indication of an address.

You saw a window and ran over to it.
There was a bridge, large buildings and a private airport in the distance.

You shot up," he's on the east side. Just south of Westchester. There's got to be some warehouses over there."

"Good work." Charles complimented. "Stay here and get some rest."

"Not a chance."

"Atarah. Please do not fight me on this. Your mind is experiencing extreme stress. Going there will only make it worse. You could lose your sanity, your powers or even your life. I will bring Erik back to you but you have to stay here where you'll be safe."

"But,"

"Atarah." Hank shot in. "Please."

You sighed and plopped down on the couch. "Fine."

The others left and you laid on the couch thinking of Erik and what it would be like to be back with him.

You drifted to sleep and dreamed peacefully until the sound of shattering glass woke you up.

You got up to investigate and you were stopped in your tracks when you saw a dark silhouette coming towards you.

You turned away and began to run. The house was now dark which made it had to navigate though it.

You ran into the kitchen to go grab a knife. All the while hearing footsteps behind you.
You tripped and fell down a few steps. You managed to break your ankle along the way. You cried out in agony. The silhouette followed you and caught up to your crawling body. He stepped around you and stopped right in front of you.

He bent down to reveal his scar ridden face.
"Hello Atarah."